The Lethbridge Police Service is continuing to investigate an incident of kidnapping, and they are looking to speak with witnesses. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

LPS seeking witnesses in kidnapping, unlawful confinement

Oct 6, 2025 | 2:05 PM

The Lethbridge Police Service (LPS) is asking for the public’s help as it continues to investigate a recent incident.

Just before midnight on Friday, October 3, officers received a report that a woman had been forced inside a vehicle and had been kidnapped.

She was located a short time later in the downtown area.

The woman told police that, around 11:00 p.m., she had been at the Park ‘n Ride on the 700 block of 5 Avenue South when she saw a red car that she thought belonged to a friend.

“As she leaned down to look inside, she observed an unknown male driver, who proceeded to grab her arm and pull her into the vehicle through the open passenger window,” reads a media release from LPS. “The victim screamed and the vehicle began driving away.”

Nighttime construction on Hwy 3 in Lethbridge starts April 17

Apr 17, 2025

SASHA launches #BuyABed fundraiser to support vulnerable Lethbridge residents

Apr 04, 2025

$20K grants available: TELUS STORYHIVE Pan-Asian Edition opens applications April 1

Mar 18, 2025

The vehicle drove to the Tudor Manor Apartments along the 500 block of 7 Street South, and then to the area near the downtown branch of the Lethbridge Public Library.

LPS adds, “The victim reported the subject made references about having sex and had touched her.”

The woman says she was eventually able to grab the vehicle’s keys, causing it to hit the curb. She threw the keys out of the window.

A male bystander heard her screaming, approached the vehicle, and was able to open the door so she could escape.

She was not injured during the incident.

The vehicle and a driver matching the description were later located, and LPS stopped the vehicle.

The man was arrested without incident, and some of the woman’s belongings were reportedly found inside.

Dwight Joe Sam Wadsworth, of Lethbridge, is charged with sexual assault, kidnapping, unlawful confinement, and assault. Following a Judicial Interim Release hearing, Wadsworth was remanded in custody.

The investigation is ongoing.

LPS is asking anyone who was in the downtown area, particularly the area of the Park and Ride and Public Library, between 11 p.m. and 1 a.m., and witnessed the incident, observed the subject vehicle – a 2003 red Pontiac Grand Am – or has information that could assist investigators, to call 403-328-4444 and reference file 24019348.

Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at P3Tips.com, or by using the P3 Tips mobile app.